Chapter 2
Observing the Uchiha civilians and retired shinobi as they went about their daily routines, Fugaku marveled at their contributions to the vibrancy of the village. These individuals, with their restaurants and shops, were the lifeblood of their community. Reborn as Uchiha Fugaku, he vowed to do better, to save his clan from the impending darkness that threatened their existence.
To fulfill his promise, Fugaku knew he needed to strengthen himself. At thirteen years old, his Sharingan had already awakened to its formidable three-tomoe state. Though not as remarkable as his son, who had awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan at the same age, Fugaku's prowess was unrivaled among his current Uchiha peers. None could match his talent and genius, and his peers had yet to unlock the full potential of the Sharingan, remaining at a two-tomoe stage.
The Sharingan, a selective kekkei genkai, demanded both natural talent and a stroke of fortune to awaken. Not all Uchiha possessed the ability to unlock this powerful doujutsu. Among the current Uchiha shinobi, those who had awakened their Sharingan ranged from early to late adulthood, with most reaching the two-tomoe level. Fugaku's early awakening to three-tomoe marked him as an exceptional prodigy within his clan.
Armed with his unique lineage and unmatched potential, Fugaku was determined to shape his destiny and guide the Uchiha clan toward a brighter future. As he embarked on this path of self-improvement and leadership, his eyes burned with unwavering determination—a flame that would ignite the flames of the Uchiha's renaissance.
Deep within the hidden forests that concealed the Uchiha's training ground, Fugaku found solace amidst the kunai and shuriken targets that he had meticulously customized to suit his own training needs. The Uchiha were renowned for their prowess in the art of projectile jutsu, their deadly accuracy only magnified by the sharpest of Sharingan eyes. Fugaku, unmatched within his generation, possessed a talent that rivaled even the legendary Fourth Hokage himself. His skills with kunai and shuriken were already honed to perfection.
Standing at the heart of the training ground, Fugaku closed his eyes momentarily, drawing upon the memories of the original Uchiha Fugaku's training regimen. Suddenly, his onyx eyes snapped open, and scarlet Sharingan eyes with their three tomoe began to spin slowly. His perception expanded exponentially, encompassing every target within the training ground. Time seemed to slow to a crawl as he witnessed even the minutest movements of insects.
With a burst of agility, Fugaku propelled himself several meters into the air, his hand swiftly releasing a barrage of kunai that sliced through the atmosphere with a chilling whistle. The kunai collided and altered their paths, generating a symphony of dull impacts as they found their marks. Descending gracefully to the ground, Fugaku confirmed the success of his strikes with a satisfied nod. "Not bad," he muttered to himself, acknowledging the narrow gap between his abilities and those of the original Fugaku, all while restraining his full strength.
Continuing his relentless training, Fugaku's hands blurred with lightning speed, weaving intricate hand seals like a phantom. The chakra within him surged through his chakra coils, expanding his chest and infusing him with power. With a forceful exhale, he unleashed the signature Uchiha technique, Gokakyu no Jutsu, summoning a colossal fireball that engulfed the area, its scorching heat permeating the air.
Seizing the opportunity to push his limits, Fugaku formed seals once more, conjuring another fireball to test the boundaries of his jutsu. The training ground transformed into a chaotic scene of burnt trees and scorched patches of earth as he relentlessly familiarized himself with every ninjutsu the original Fugaku had known. The grueling session pushed his body and mind to their limits, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
As darkness blanketed the training ground, Fugaku, drenched in sweat and his tools in hand, made his way back home. The vibrant Uchiha district welcomed him with its luminous glow, alive with the laughter and conversations of shinobi who had concluded their day's work, indulging in the solace of drinks and camaraderie. Familiar faces greeted him with warmth and familiarity as he strolled through the bustling streets, silently affirming his place within the fabric of the Uchiha clan's vibrant community.
As Fugaku stepped into his family's courtyard, the murmurs of conversation reached his ears, drawing him closer to the source. Uchiha Tenjo, his father and the esteemed clan head, often held meetings with fellow officers within the confines of their home. "Ah, you've returned," his father's voice echoed. "Join us quickly, I have important news to share." "Yes, Otosan," Fugaku responded, sliding open the doors to the living room, where senior members of the clan and police force were gathered. With a respectful bow, he greeted them before taking his place among them. "Tenjo-sama, your son has grown into an impressive young man," one of the senior officers remarked. "To awaken and mature the Sharingan at such a tender age, he is destined to lead the clan to new heights as our future clan head." A smile of pride graced his father's lips as he added, "Indeed, I hope that he will grow to become the beacon of hope for our people, ushering them into a brighter future." As the meeting concluded, the room gradually emptied, leaving only Fugaku and his father behind. "Come with me," his father beckoned, his tone filled with authority. "There are matters of great importance that I must discuss with you." Fugaku nodded, his curiosity piqued, and followed his father to the secluded sanctuary of his study. The room was designed to be soundproof, a sanctuary where secrets could be exchanged without fear of eavesdropping. Fugaku couldn't help but wonder if intricate seals were responsible for the room's privacy. "Fugaku, you have proven yourself as a skilled shinobi over the past three years, bringing honor to our clan," his father began, his voice steady. "Today, when I reported to the Sandaime Hokage, I requested on your behalf. I requested your promotion to the rank of Jonin, and he agreed." Fugaku's eyes widened with a mixture of surprise and pride. "Tomorrow, you will go to the Hokage's office to receive a mission that will secure your promotion. You are the shining genius of the Uchiha clan, and it is your duty not to disgrace our name." "Yes, Otosan," Fugaku replied, his voice filled with determination. His father's next words carried a weight of responsibility. "Since the untimely demise of Uchiha Kagami, our right to influence the high echelons of Konoha has diminished significantly. Although the Uchiha and Senju once co-founded this village, we have lost our representation within the high council." He paused, collecting his thoughts. "But you, Fugaku, possess a talent unmatched since the days of Uchiha Kagami himself. I believe you hold the potential to awaken something extraordinary..." His father took a deep breath, his gaze filled with hope. "I have faith that you will lead our clan back to its former glory." Fugaku nodded solemnly, his resolve firm. The confidential nature surrounding the Mangekyo Sharingan within the clan did not escape his notice, but he was confident in his ability to awaken its power. How he would achieve this remained a mystery, but as the sole heir within his family, he knew he needed a plan and alternate methods to acquire the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan. The regular Mangekyo Sharingan alone would not be sufficient to safeguard the Uchiha or secure their future; it would only lead to inevitable blindness. In a shinobi world lacking absolute powerhouses like the esteemed Hashirama Senju, who effortlessly captured and controlled the tailed beasts, possessing the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan would grant him the confidence to navigate any perilous situation. With a heavy sigh, his father placed a comforting hand on his head before stepping away. Fugaku sensed the weight of his father's helplessness, a burden that rested upon his shoulders.
The weight of responsibility settled upon Fugaku's shoulders as he prepared for the mission that would determine his promotion to jonin. Konoha stood at the pinnacle of power, unmatched both economically and militarily. The village boasted formidable warriors, including the Sandaime Hokage, Konoha's White Fang, and the legendary Sannin who would soon earn their fearsome reputation. Yet, the Uchiha clan, arguably the village's most powerful, lacked a leading figure at their peak. Fugaku's 3-tomoe Sharingan, while impressive on the battlefield, seemed inconsequential in the grand scheme of things in a world where strength reigned supreme. "Tomorrow's mission... What could it be? Given the sensitive nature of this period, the likelihood of it involving espionage or assassination is high," Fugaku mused, contemplating the possibilities. The following morning, he meticulously packed his ninja gear, ensuring he had enough kunai, shuriken, explosive tags, and ninja wire for any situation that might arise. Standing before the Hokage's office, he knocked, his heart pounding with anticipation. The Hokage's resonant voice granted him entry, and Fugaku stepped inside, casting his gaze upon the young Sandaime. He could sense the immense power emanating from the Hokage, expertly concealed beneath a calm facade. "Hokage-sama, chunin Uchiha Fugaku reporting for duty," he announced, maintaining a respectful posture. The Hokage nodded in acknowledgment, remarking, "Ah, yes, young padawan... I mean, shinobi. You have achieved the maturity of your Sharingan at a remarkably young age, rivaling, if not surpassing, that of Uchiha Kagami." Fugaku replied with humility, "Hokage-sama, you overestimate me. How can I compare myself to Kagami-senpai when I am still plagued by countless shortcomings?"